Nicolae Testemiţanu, a famous scientist, excellent teacher, illustrious organizer of the health system, opened up important ways to the future of medicine in the Republic of Moldova. Now that “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy celebrates the 77th anniversary of its founding, mates, friends and pupils of the academician commemorated him in an event at his Alma Mater, IPN reports.

“Nicolae Testemițanu” University rector Emil Ceban said that what the scientist wrote and did and transmitted to his pupils remains topical for the current reforms done in the health system. Professor Nicolae Testemiţanu formed part of the second class of the Chisinau State Institute of Medicine, which is called the golden class. At the age of 28, he was named chief doctor of the National Clinical Hospital, at the age of 32 he became rector of the Institute of Medicine, while at the age of 36 – minister of health. This is a unique case in history.

Stanislav Groppa, pro-rector for research activity at “Nicolae Testemițanu” University, said the Days of the University are an important period in the University’s life when the institution’s directions and potential are being assessed. An educational institution is powerful through the personalities that represent it. That’s why the work of professor Nicolae Testemițanu is among the most important ones. “I think that in the conference this year and next year, we must ensure the continuity of  his deeds and work and it is our duty to honor his memory and remember him,” stated the pro-rector.

University lecturer Iulian Grossu, a member of the Social Medicine and Management Department of “Nicolae Testemițanu” University, a pupil of professor Nicolae Testemițanu, said that as a minister of health, the scientist conducted important activities. There was worked out the strategy for developing health protection that was recognized by scientists in the country and abroad. A series of changes were made in the network of medical institutions, such as the organization of the National Traumatology and Orthopedic Hospital, the opening of the Stomatology Policlinic, the organization of national hospitals in Chisinau, Balti, Tighina, Tiraspol, Cahul, Soroca. In 1966, there was opened the Dermatovenerologic Dispensary.

According to Iulian Grossu, the young minister’s main mission was to ensure the training of national scientific and medical staff. He also intensely promoted the introduction of Romanian in the teaching process. “Showing special interest in rural medicine, Nicolae Testemițanu designed and argued scientifically and also put into practice the most human concept for reforming the health system of all times, for which in 1983 he was awarded the State Prize, while the Social Medicine and Management Department was officially confirmed and recognized as a coordinating scientific center in the USSR on the organization of the protection of health of rural population,” he said.

On August 1, 2022, the renowned scientist Nicolae Testemițanu would have turned 95. Nicolae Testemiţanu died on September 20, 1986. Posthumously, he was conferred the title of academician of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova and the highest state award - the Order of the Republic. Since 1990, the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy has borne his name.